First week of law school, and I must have seen the word "effect" used as a verb a few dozen times by now. I knew the justices of the Canadian Supreme Court couldn't be a bunch of illiterate dummies! Thanks!

Hey, If I get in a muddle I remember by equating the verb 'affect' with another 'a' word which is 'alter'. I know it's not quite right but it's sort of close enough to assist me. 'Effect' (verb) I equate with 'execute' (as in 'perform' or 'bring about', not as in kill!) - again for me it is close enough in meaning to help.
What do you think?

Well Graham,
It is a difficult subject, requiring a little more than just typical thought before putting pen to paper.

Dave,
Your examples are right on, but your explanation of them was confusing to me. I understand the sentences and why each is the way it is, but you lost me in your description. I don't know how you can do a better comparison, because those were very good. Can you maybe re-word what you meant? Maybe I can explain my confusion.
"when the object of the verb is the change itself"
I'm trying to think of where this is not the case.